This is an Italian-style stir fry that Grandma made with thinly sliced beef. During the weeknights and on a strict budget back in the 1960s, this was often made with chicken rather than beef, using beef as a special treat for us but always the first choice and a favorite.

Simmering in a delicious sauce, we often had this dish over cooked noodles or rice. The garlic and onion sauteed was the first smell that hit you when you walked in the door and a huge smile came across our faces as we entered. This was an easy meal and one of the tastiest. Today in modern cooking vessels, we often use a slow cooker that's a set-it-and-forget-it meal and so much easier.

Old Fashioned Pepper Steak this is Grandma's Italian version via @Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine.comPhoto byClaudia Lamascolo

Shopping List:

• 2 tablespoons canola, olive, or vegetable oil
• 2 green bell peppers, cut into strips
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 pounds round, flank or sirloin steak, cut into strips
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup red wine Optional
• 3 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• for slow cooking method see at the end of the directions and scroll down

Directions:

1. Saute the pepper in oil for around 8 to 10 minutes until soft and begins to brown.
2. With a slotted spoon remove and add to a serving platter and set the peppers aside.
3. In the same pan add the steak with onion and garlic and saute around 3 to 5 minutes stirring and turning the steak on each side.
4. Stir in tomatoes, water, wine, and sugar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer on low heat for around 45 minutes to an hour or until the steak is fork-tender.
6. Add more water or wine if necessary if the sauce gets too thick.

Slow Cooker Method: Place the steak or chicken in a slow cooker. all the ingredients on top. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.

Serving Ideas:

• rice
• noodles or any pasta you prefer
• hard-crusted bread topping or bruschetta
• quinoa
• mashed potatoes or baked potato
• polenta

Recipes We Enjoy for You to Try:

Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

Bourbon Chicken

Mandarin Orange Pork Chops

Easy Fried Rice